A motor vehicle accident can leave you facing injuries, medical bills, vehicle repairs, and a complex insurance claim. But what happens when the other vehicle is a commercial truck? Things may get complicated. The claim may involve more than just two drivers and their insurance companies. A trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, or parts manufacturer may also have played a role in what happened. Commercial trucks are also subject to federal safety rules that do not apply to ordinary passenger vehicles.
At Paxton Law Firm, we understand that these differences can complicate truck accident claims. If you were injured in a Texas truck accident, knowing what makes these cases different can help you understand what to expect, recognize the evidence that may be important to your case, and take appropriate steps to protect your rights. Knowing what to expect can also help you make informed decisions as you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Size of a Truck Can Change the Consequences
One major difference between truck accidents and car accidents is the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Commercial trucks, including tractor-trailers, can be much heavier than passenger cars.
This difference can make collisions involving trucks more severe and increase the likelihood of serious injuries, property damage, or death. When injuries are severe, the claim may involve substantial treatment, rehabilitation, time away from work, and long-term effects.
More Than One Party May Be Liable
In an ordinary car accident, you often only have to deal with the other driver and their insurer. A truck accident, on the other hand, may involve several parties. Depending on the cause, potentially liable parties may include;
- The driver
- The truck company
- Cargo loader
- Maintenance provider
- Manufacturer of a defective vehicle component
Determining responsibility requires us to examine the circumstances of the accident rather than assuming the driver is solely responsible.
Federal Trucking Rules Add Another Layer of Complexity
Commercial vehicles are subject to safety regulations that do not apply to ordinary passenger-vehicle drivers. The FMCSA regulates areas such as hours of service, electronic logging, and vehicle inspections.
For example, hours-of-service rules limit how long certain commercial drivers can operate and require specified rest periods. Electronic logging devices can record information about a driver’s hours of service. If a crash is suspected to involve driver fatigue or another regulatory issue, those records can become important. We may need to review them to determine whether they support a claim.
The Evidence Can Be More Technical
Truck accident claims often require us to investigate evidence that is not normally available in a simple two-car collision. Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence may include;
- Electronic logging records
- Driver qualification records
- Drug and alcohol testing information
- Inspection records
- Dispatch instructions
- Delivery documents
- Truck electronic data
Some evidence can be lost or overwritten over time, so early investigation is crucial for gathering and preserving important evidence before it becomes unavailable.
Trucking Companies May Conduct Their Own Investigation
After a truck accident, the trucking company and insurance adjusters may begin investigating the crash quickly. They may review driver logs, electronic data, maintenance records, inspection reports, and other information about the truck and driver.
Because the trucking company may control some evidence, acting early can help preserve information that may be important to your claim.
Insurance Coverage Can Be More Complicated
Commercial vehicles can have substantial insurance coverage, and a claim may involve more than one insurer or policy. Multiple potential defendants can make the claim more complicated than a typical car accident claim.
A truck accident case requires us to carefully identify all applicable policies and determine which parties and insurers may be involved.
Proving the Full Impact of Your Injuries
Not every truck accident claim is automatically worth more than a car accident claim. The value of a case depends on its facts, including the extent of the injuries and the treatment, and the damages involved.
After a truck accident, documenting the full impact is vital. We usually review medical records and treatment history and consider how the injury affects work and daily activities.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
If you are involved in a truck accident, your health and safety should be your priority. Report the accident and seek medical attention. Even when symptoms seem minor, prompt medical evaluation can help identify the full extent of injuries and create a record of your condition.
If it is safe, photograph the scene and vehicles. Also, collect witness information and keep your documents organized. Be careful with insurance representatives and do not guess about what happened or make statements about fault before the investigation is completed.
Because these cases can involve evidence that must be preserved as soon as possible, contacting an attorney early helps start the investigation while records and physical evidence are still available.
How Paxton Law Firm Can Help
At Paxton Law Firm, we look at the whole picture. We investigate how the crash happened, examine available evidence, identify parties that may be responsible, and assess the injuries and losses involved.
We also handle communications and negotiations with insurers and can pursue litigation when a fair resolution cannot be reached. Our goal is to help you understand the process while we work to protect your rights and pursue compensation under Texas law.
Allow Us to Help You Protect Your Rights
If you have been seriously injured in a Texas commercial truck accident, you do not have to handle the investigation and insurance process on your own. Our Houston commercial truck accident lawyers at Paxton Law Firm can review what happened, explain issues that may affect your claim, and help you understand your options. We encourage you to contact us soon after the crash, especially if you suffered serious injuries or your case involves disputed fault or multiple companies. We can investigate available evidence, communicate with insurers, and work to identify the parties and losses relevant to your case. While you focus on recovery, we will work to move your claim forward and protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.